Another Democrat steps forward to challenge Hayworth

Matt Alexander, the mayor of Wappingers Falls in Dutchess County, announced today he is seeking to unseat Rep. Nan Hayworth, R-Mount Kisco. In a statement, Alexander, a CPA, said he planned to speak throughout the 19th Congressional District about the issues he thinks are important. Below is part of his announcement speech.

“Today, through my leadership, I’m proud to say Wappingers Falls is one of the fastest-growing communities in our state with an astonishing 17% growth rate in the past year alone. New businesses and jobs are arriving, crime is down and our services and infrastructure are strong, AND we’ve held the line on property taxes.

This turn-around took determined leadership, an unwavering focus on economic development and jobs. It was the commitment of government to act in times of difficulty and put people to work rebuilding the infrastructure that was critical to our economic success.

It took getting people from both parties to stop playing games and to put people above politics and start working together. It took the faith of the men and women in government as our partners working to turn our community around. A community came together to recapture its future.

This approach not only revived our community, but twice earned me the endorsements of the Democratic and Republican parties.

This same formula that worked for Wappingers Falls is what I intend to bring to Congress. I got into government to take on big challenges because I was sick and tired of being on the sidelines. My leadership turned Wappinger Falls around and with your support I’d like to do the same here throughout New York’s 19th Congressional District.” Alexander said.

Alexander is the second Democrat to announce a challenge to Hayworth, who is in her first term. He joins Dr. Richard Becker, a Cortlandt Town Board member, in trying to unseat the congresswoman.